New York, NY - December 7, 2012 - Christmas came early this year for fans of A&E's hit series "Duck Dynasty." Wednesday night's one-hour season finale at 10PM became the network's most-watched telecast of all time among all key demos, including total viewers, adults 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54.

An astounding 6.5 million viewers tuned in to the final premiere episode of 2012. The episode was also watched by an A&E record 3.9 million adults 18-49, 3.8 million adults 25-54 and 2.0 million adults 18-34, becoming the most-watched series telecast in network history among all key demos.

"'Duck Dynasty' represents the best of A&E's unique brand of storytelling, showcasing authentic and engaging characters," said Bob DeBitetto, President and General Manager of A&E Network and BIO Channel. "It's extremely gratifying to see more and more viewers flocking to the series week after week."

Season two of "Duck Dynasty" has grown by 139% in total viewers, 141% in adults 18-34, 136% in adults 25-54 and 127% in adults 18-49 versus the season one average.

A&E was Wednesday night's top cable network among total viewers and 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54. "Duck Dynasty" was also television's top show on Wednesday night (cable and broadcast) in prime among adults 18-34 and 18-49.

"Duck Dynasty" was also the most social show on cable Wednesday night. According to Trendrr.TV, Blufin Labs and Social Guide, the series had more total activity across all major social media platforms than any other telecast on cable for the night. AETV.com also witnessed the best day ever for pageviews and video views the day after the episode aired, as fans flocked to check out additional "Duck Dynasty" content (www.aetv.com/duck-dynasty).

An encore of the "Duck Dynasty" one-hour holiday episode will air Saturday, December 8 at 9PM. New episodes of "Duck Dynasty" will return in early 2013.

"Duck Dynasty" is produced for A&E Networks by Gurney Productions. Executive producers for Gurney Productions are Deirdre Gurney and Scott Gurney. Executive producers for A&E are David McKillop, Elaine Frontain Bryant and Lily Neumeyer.

About A&E Network

A&E is "Real Life. Drama." Now reaching more than 99 million homes, A&E is television that you can't turn away from; where unscripted shows are dramatic and scripted dramas are authentic. A&E offers a diverse mix of high quality entertainment ranging from the network's original scripted series, including "The Glades" and "Longmire," to signature non-fiction franchises, including the Emmy-winning "Intervention," "Duck Dynasty," "Hoarders," "Beyond Scared Straight" and "Storage Wars," and the most successful justice shows on cable, including "The First 48." The A&E website is located at www.aetv.com.